CASSIDY COVENTRY BLAZE go into tonight's clash at Manchester Giants (7pm) knowing they are five wins away from securing the bmibaby Elite League.

Tonight's game is also the second leg of the British Knock-out Cup semi-final with Blaze holding a 4-1 advantage, but head coach Paul Thompson says his side's priority is wrapping up the league title and they are on course to do that.

Blaze have opened up a seven-point lead at the top and the only sides that can catch them are Belfast Giants and Sheffield Steelers, but they are both running out of games to make up the points deficit.

Belfast went into last night's home date with Cardiff knowing the maximum points they can finish with is 75 and Steelers will end with a total of 70 if they win all their remaining games.

Blaze already have 67 points and that makes them red-hot favourites to win the title, but Thompson warns his side face an early onslaught at Manchester tonight.

Phoenix will be aiming to overhaul a three-goal deficit to secure a British Knock-out Cup final against Cardiff Devils following Blaze's 4-1 win at the Skydome seven days ago.

Blaze were on target four times in the third period to storm to victory and Thompson said: "The pressure is on Manchester to secure a play-off place and get through to the British Knock-Out final.

"They will come out fast and we have to be prepared for that. We have to keep playing the way we have been.

"We are in the driving seat and have to keep pushing on."

Blaze go into the game aiming to resume winning ways after their penalty shoot-out defeat against Cardiff Devils at the Skydome on Sunday night.

Thompson said: "I've told the players not to get down about it. They know they're doing all the right things at the moment."